THORLABS TLX3 Manuel utilisateur

TLX3

O-Band Tunable

Laser Source

User Guide

O-Band Tunable Laser Source

Table of Contents

Introduction..........................................................................................................................2

Safety and Compliance......................................................................................................3

TLX3 Specifications............................................................................................................5

TLX3 Front and Rear Panel Functions.............................................................................6

TLX3 Quick Start Guide......................................................................................................7

TLX3 Full Operating Instructions......................................................................................8

6.1.Manual Mode....................................................................................................................8

6.2.Stepped Sweep Mode .....................................................................................................9

6.3.Continuous Sweep Mode..............................................................................................10

6.4.Additional Utility Functions..........................................................................................11

Trigger and Sync Clock Outputs......................................................................................14

7.1.Trigger Output ...............................................................................................................14

7.2.Sync Clock Output ........................................................................................................15

Remote Control Features..................................................................................................16

Mechanical Drawings.........................................................................................................17

Maintenance, Repair, & Fuses..........................................................................................18

10.1.Replacing the Main Fuses ............................................................................................19

10.2.Replacement Parts ........................................................................................................19

Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................20

Regulatory...........................................................................................................................21

Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts..........................................................................................22

O-Band Tunable Laser Source Chapter 1: Introduction

Rev B, April 20, 2022 Page 2

Introduction

The TLX3 is a turn-key, self-contained, tunable laser for the O-Band (1250 nm to 1350 nm) based on the use of a

fiber-coupled, semiconductor gain module and an intracavity tunable filter. It has no moving parts, which enables

fast, continuous tuning of wavelength. With output power in the 10 mW to 40 mW range, and PM single-mode

output, it is an ideal source for communication applications and manufacturing testing. The output connection uses

PM fiber with an FC/APC connector. BNC connectors on the back panel provide analog output signals for

synchronizing the operation of the laser to external instrumentation.

The laser has three main modes it can operate in: Manual, Stepped Sweep, and Continuous Sweep. These are

easily selected and controlled by the supplied Windows GUI (see sample window below) which connects to the

TLX3 via USB or RS-232 connections. The GUI also provides direct readout of wavelength and power.

The user can also control the laser using their own software via a full command set. All documentation for this

product is available for download on the Thorlabs website at www.thorlabs.com/manuals. A separate

Programming Guide provides detailed information about how to connect and control the TLX3 via external user

programs.

O-Band Tunable Laser Source Chapter 2: Safety and Compliance

Page 3 TTN220723-D02

Safety and Compliance

The safety of any system incorporating this equipment is the responsibility of the assembler of the system. If

equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may

be impaired. Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be carried out or

components not supplied by Thorlabs be used. There are no user serviceable components inside this device.



Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock

Before applying power to the instrument, make sure that the protective conductor of the 3 conductor

mains power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the socket outlet. Improper

grounding can cause electric shock with damage to your health or even death. Only use mains cable

with sufficient current and voltage ratings for this instrument. The local supply voltage must be in the

range specified on the rear panel, and the correct fuse must be installed in the fuse holder. If not, please

replace the main fuse (see Maintenance Section). Do not position equipment in a way that makes it

difficult for the user to operate the disconnecting device. Do not remove covers. Refer servicing to

qualified personnel.

Warning: Risk of Explosion

The instrument must not be operated in explosion endangered environments.

Warning: Laser Radiation

Avoid Exposure – Radiation emitted from apertures. Do not look into the

laser aperture while the laser is on. Injury to the eye may result. Laser

should not be turned on unless there is an optical fiber connected to the

laser output port.

Caution – Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures

other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

Caution: ESD Sensitive Component

The components inside this instrument are ESD sensitive. Take all appropriate precautions to discharge

personnel and equipment before making any connections to the unit.

Caution: Components not Water Resistant

This instrument should be kept clear of environments where liquid spills or condensing moisture are

likely. It is not water resistant. To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids, or

solvents.

Caution: Follow Intended Usage Guidelines

Inputs and outputs must only be connected with shielded connection cables.

Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in housing.

Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are not to be used within the range of three

meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum allowed

disturbance values according to IEC 61326-1.

O-Band Tunable Laser Source Chapter 2: Safety and Compliance

Rev B, April 20, 2022 Page 4

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15

of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a

residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed

and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,

there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC 61326-1 for using connection

cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio or television interference caused by modifications of this equipment or the

substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those specified by Thorlabs. The

correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment will be the

responsibility of the user. The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to any and all

optional peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.

The EU Declaration of Conformity as also available as part of the documentation library for the TLX3.

O-Band Tunable Laser Source Chapter 3: TLX3 Specifications

Page 5 TTN220723-D02

TLX3 Specifications

All specifications are typical at 25 °C after 1-hour warm-up time.

Parameter Specification Note

Wavelength Range 1250 - 1350 nm

Output Power 10 - 40 mW Depends on Wavelength (See

Graph

)

Power Stability ±0.02 dB -

Power Repeatability ±0.05 dB -

Wavelength Accuracy ±50 pm -

Wavelength Stability ±30 pm -

Wavelength Repeatability ±20 pm -

Tuning Resolution 10 pm -

ASE Ratio >60 dB 0.1 nm Bandwidth, 1 nm from Center

RIN Noise -145 dB/Hz -

Linewidth <100 kHz -

Tuning Time (Manual Mode) 100 ms Between Any Two Wavelengths

Transition Time (Step Mode) 300 ms In Stepped Mode

Dwell Time (Step Mode) 100 ms - 60 s Does Not Include Transition Time

Sweep Speed Range 50 - 400 nm/s Continuous Sweep Mode

Output Connector (PM) FC/APC Polarization-Maintaining Fiber

Output Fiber Single-Mode PM Aligned to Slow Axis and Key

Polarization Extinction Ratio >15 dB -

Operating Conditions 10 - 35 °C, 5 - 85% RH -

Housing Size 19.0" x 16.9" x 3.4"

483 mm x 429 mm x 86 mm 2U Rack Mount Chassis

Supply Voltage 100 - 250 VAC 50/60 Hz

Trigger Out Levels (Digital) 0 - 4.1 V See Rear Panel

Clock Out Levels (Digital) 0 - 3.3 V See Rear Panel

1240 1260 1280 1300 1320 1340 1360

Typical Spectral Response

Power (mW)

Power (dBm)

Wavelength (nm)

O-Band Tunable Laser Source Chapter 4: TLX3 Front and Rear Panel Functions

Rev B, April 20, 2022 Page 6

TLX3 Front and Rear Panel Functions

The TLX3 comes in a 2U height rack-mount sized box with rack-mount hardware as shown here. Screw-on feet for

the bottom of the box are also available for bench placement.

Callout Description

A Power Switch

B Indicator Light for Laser Power

C Indicator Light for Laser Output

D PM FC/APC Fiber Output

Callout Description

A Main Power Connection

B RS-232 Port (DB9 Female Connector)

C USB Port (USB Type B Connector)

D Clock Output (BNC Female Connector)

E Trigger Signal (BNC Female Connector)

F Boot Mode Button

G Indicator LED for Firmware Upgrades

a. The Boot Mode button is NOT a “Reset” button

O-Band Tunable Laser Source Chapter 5: TLX3 Quick Start Guide

Page 7 TTN220723-D02

TLX3 Quick Start Guide

1. Plug the TLX3 laser into the wall supply and turn on the front panel switch.

2. Install the GUI software onto a PC. The software is available here: https://www.thorlabs.com/Software

The software is also supplied on a memory stick in the shipping box. Note that the software also installs

the Windows driver required for programming the TLX3 via USB.

A desktop shortcut should appear that looks like this:

3. Connect the PC to the TLX3 laser via standard USB cable.

4. Run the GUI application by clicking on the desktop shortcut.

5. First, select the COM port associated with the TLX3 laser and press OK.

6. The GUI window will open in the OFF state as shown below. You can resize it as you prefer.

The laser is now ready to be turned ON and operated.

7. Connect a clean PM FC/APC patch cord to the laser output on the front panel.

NOTE: Cleaning the patch cord is essential to avoid damage to the connectors.

8. Click on the ON/OFF button to enable laser output and check the power output.

9. Make sure to observe all laser safety procedures.

O-Band Tunable Laser Source Chapter 6: TLX3 Full Operating Instructions

Rev B, April 20, 2022 Page 8

TLX3 Full Operating Instructions

Follow the Quick Start Guide to get the laser connected to a PC and turned ON. The GUI should appear as shown

in this image (in Manual Mode). The laser can always be turned ON and OFF using the button in the top right. The

indicator light on the front panel of the actual laser should also confirm the ON/OFF state.

There are three operating modes described below: Manual, Stepped Sweep, and Continuous Sweep. These are

selected by clicking on the radio buttons as shown in the image above.

6.1. Manual Mode

This mode (as shown in the image above) allows you to simply set the operating wavelength and step it manually

using on-screen buttons. The wavelength can be set directly by typing into the “Wavelength Target” box at the lower

left or by clicking and dragging the wavelength indicator label above the wavelength scale. Specific step sizes can

also be entered in the “Wavelength Step” box. In that case, the wavelength can be precisely stepped up or down

by clicking on the + or – indicators. The actual wavelength and output power are always reported near the top of

the GUI window in large, yellow font. The units of the power measurement can be set (either mW or dBm) via the

Options menu button.

O-Band Tunable Laser Source Chapter 6: TLX3 Full Operating Instructions

Page 9 TTN220723-D02

6.2. Stepped Sweep Mode

This mode allows you to program the laser to automatically step across a wavelength range at a user-defined step

size. Click on the Stepped Sweep Mode button to enter this mode. The GUI should appear similar to the image

below. Note that the “Start Sweep” button has appeared on the right.

The wavelength range can be set by typing the start and stop wavelengths in the boxes at the lower left of the GUI.

Alternately, the start and stop wavelengths can be set by simply dragging the wavelength indicator labels on the

wavelength scale. The step size and dwell time at each step can be specified in the boxes at the bottom of the GUI.

You can also select the number of cycles to sweep in the box at the bottom right of the GUI. If you want to sweep

continuously, then clicking on the “Repeat” menu will allow you to select “Counted” or “Infinite” sweeps.

Once the parameters are set, the sweeps are initiated by clicking the “Start Sweep” button. The button will then

change to “Stop Sweep”. Clicking on “Stop Sweep” will terminate the sweep function and reset the controls to the

start wavelength. (Note, the laser will still finish its last sweep before resetting).

Note that if the wavelength range is not set to be an integer of steps, then the laser will end its sweep at the last

integral number of steps and return to the Start wavelength.

Note also that each step is comprised of a transition time followed by a dwell time. The transition time allows for the

laser wavelength to stabilize after tuning. It is the same for all dwell times. Please see the Trigger section of this

guide for more details about how to use the Trigger Output function in the Stepped Sweep Mode.

Note that the Power readout will be blanked during this sweep mode because it’s changing too rapidly to be read

accurately.

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